Wasim Jaffer and Yuzi Chahal. (Photo Source: Twitter and RANDY BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images)
Former cricketer Wasim Jaffer was left surprised with India skipper Hardik Pandya’s bowling choices in the second T20I against West Indies. Notably, in the 16th over of the match, leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal picked up two wickets and completely shifted the momentum towards India’s favour. The visiting team needed two wickets to win after that but Pandya didn’t bring Chahal back into the attack as India went on to lose their second match on the trot.
Talking about the match, Jaffer mentioned that Hardik should have reconsidered bringing Chahal back as the cricketer had the momentum. The 33-year-old gave away only 19 runs in three overs and looked sensational in the middle but skipper Pandya had other ideas. He also went on to add saying that he was quite surprised with Axar Patel not bowling in that period.
“Very surprising, especially with Chahal not bowling his fourth over, and even Axar Patel not bowling during that period. So, very surprised. I thought he will bowl the 18th over, but he should have at least bowled the 19th over, definitely,” Jaffer mentioned while talking to ESPNcricinfo.
Nicholas Pooran is definitely one of the best batters going around right now: Jaffer
After posting only 152 runs on board in the first innings, India needed something special with the ball. They started well as the Windies openers failed to make a mark but Nicholas Pooran’s introduction changed the complexion of the game. The southpaw was sensational in the recently concluded Major League Cricket (MLC) and has left a mark in both the T20I matches so far.
Lauding him for his incredible performance, Jaffer called Pooran one of the best batters in world cricket right now. Notably, the stumper-batter hit 67 runs off 40 deliveries as West Indies managed to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
“Without a doubt. With the kind of form and confidence that he (Nicholas Pooran) is in at the moment, he is definitely one of the best batters going around right now,” Jaffer stated.